The Most Useful Tools for DIY Mechanics

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Every homesteader needs a box of dependable tools.
Every homesteader needs a box of dependable tools.
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Vise-Grip pliers are among the handiest tools ever made. They come in 5
Vise-Grip pliers are among the handiest tools ever made. They come in 5", 7", and 10" sizes (5" size shown).
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Recognize these? Yep: A heavy-duty cotter pin puller and a screwdriver-type puller.
Recognize these? Yep: A heavy-duty cotter pin puller and a screwdriver-type puller.
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Three pipe wrenches. From top down: Heavy-duty aluminum model, offset pipe wrench made by Ridgid, and chain wrench (for odd-shaped objects).
Three pipe wrenches. From top down: Heavy-duty aluminum model, offset pipe wrench made by Ridgid, and chain wrench (for odd-shaped objects).
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Typical hammers. Top one is a plastic-face model, middle one a stonecutter's hammer, bottom a ball-peen hammer.
Typical hammers. Top one is a plastic-face model, middle one a stonecutter's hammer, bottom a ball-peen hammer.
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The contents of Doug Richmond's toolbox. These tools will cover just about any mechanical issue the typical homesteader is likely to encounter.
The contents of Doug Richmond's toolbox. These tools will cover just about any mechanical issue the typical homesteader is likely to encounter.
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The top wrench is for copper tubing fittings (not nut-turning). Middle: The ubiquitous Combination wrench. Bottom: Half-moon wrench gets into inaccessible places.
The top wrench is for copper tubing fittings (not nut-turning). Middle: The ubiquitous Combination wrench. Bottom: Half-moon wrench gets into inaccessible places.

Unless you know what you’re doing, shopping for tools
can be a time- and money-consuming endeavor. To help you
with the task, here are a few words of wisdom from Doug
Richmond
… a mechanic and tool buyer of many
years’ experience.

  • Published on Sep 1, 1976
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